Construction Law

6 Things You Should Know Before Entering a Job Site Part 2

A construction site can be an exceptionally dangerous place if you aren’t familiar working construction in a physical capacity. There are many situations where general contractors must enter the construction site to interface with construction managers, foremen, and other important figures on site, or they might have to chauffer an owner to a site to offer a firsthand look at a project’s progress.

At Cotney Attorneys & Consultants, our OSHA defense lawyers are well versed in the procedures necessary to maintain a safe construction site, including how to safely show your construction site to a third party. Conducting oneself with poise on a job site is integral to upholding OSHA compliance. In part one of this two-part article, we examined injuries, weather, and behavior on the job site. In part two, we will explore three more important things to know before entering a job site.

Construction Workers are the Foundation of a Project

Without construction workers, the construction industry would be reduced to a bunch of grandiose ideas without a proper method of execution. Construction workers form the foundation of any project. Rapid specialization and on-the-fly training means every worker has the opportunity to make a significant impact on a construction site. Considering this fact, we must treat each worker as an integral component of the overall project.

Hazards You Can’t See

As we mentioned in part one, injuries are common on construction sites, but the source of these injuries isn’t always obvious. Construction sites are filled with visible hazards like heavy machinery and sharp tools, but the hazards you can’t see are often the most deadly. Uneven ground can result in potholes, the presence of subterranean utilities can result in gas leaks or septic spillage, and carcinogens like asbestos can transform a demolition site into a breeding ground for Mesotheliomas.

Personal Protective Equipment is Mandatory

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an important part of OSHA compliance that all seasoned workers heed carefully. PPE includes a hard hat or helmet, protective eyewear, special purpose shoes, protective gloves, and earplugs or earmuffs. If you enter a job site, you are responsible for utilizing the appropriate PPE to uphold OSHA compliance standards. The OSHA defense lawyers at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants are familiar with the PPE requirements of every job site, and we can even lend you some of our own PPE if you plan on visiting a job site soon.

If you would like to speak with an OSHA lawyer, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.